Apple source code compromised

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A nightmare for any business, to find out that the source code for your product has been compromised and shared openly on the developer’s platform GitHub. This happened last week for Apple when part of their source code was shared with on GitHub.

The Code was labelled “iBoot” and was according to experts the source code from the iOS operating system. The shared code is the code that runs the first part of the program when you turn on your iPhone. iBoot is Apple's stage 2 bootloader for all of their devices. It runs what is known as Recovery Mode and it has an interactive interface which can be used over USB or serial.

Apple is notoriously known for not sharing code and the Apple’s iOS is considered closed source whereas Google’s Android is considered open source.

This has been referred to as “the biggest leak in history”, but it might not be such a big deal. A source told Vice on Thursday, the day after the leak: “What leaked yesterday isn't even the full leak really. It’s not the original leak—it’s a copy”. Human flaws and code leaking are not as uncommon as it sometimes is presented in the press.

However, it did not take long before Apple was aware that some code from their iBoot had been leaked, and soon thereafter applied for a takedown notice with GitHub, where the code was posted. The code has now been removed and can no longer be found on GitHub.

Sharing code can be a good thing
Although Apple has chosen to have a closed source code for their iOS, having an open source system and sharing code can be a fairly good thing. As a developer, you constantly have to learn and stay on top of new developments within the programming world. Platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow are commonly used in the developing community, as platforms where developers share code and knowledge. From open source to business, you can host and review code, manage projects, and build software alongside millions of other developers.